Toyota MR2 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 903 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc29 years old903 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

72% of MOT tests on Toyota MR2s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 903 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 106,809 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models195th of 306(bottom half)

Rank among Toyota models877th of 970(bottom 10%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-3%(75% avg)

vs Toyota average-12%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

106,809

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Toyota MR2 had 106,809 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1997 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota MR2 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2008	93%	61	89,184 mi
2007	77%	123	109,094 mi
2006	79%	1,274	73,036 mi
2005	77%	1,482	83,599 mi
2004	77%	2,267	87,135 mi
2003	77%	2,505	94,368 mi
2002	75%	2,029	92,036 mi
2001	76%	1,597	94,735 mi
2000	72%	1,896	96,510 mi
1999	76%	863	106,803 mi
1998	76%	1,374	108,993 mi
1997	72%	903	106,809 mi
1996	73%	613	107,294 mi
1995	73%	521	115,810 mi
1994	73%	535	100,166 mi
1993	72%	885	112,683 mi
1992	70%	840	114,466 mi
1991	74%	711	115,453 mi
1990	79%	713	115,872 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+1%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-1%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+6%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+3%

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About the 1997 Toyota MR2

The 1997 Toyota MR2 is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 903 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 106,809 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota MR2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Toyota MR2 Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Toyota MR2?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota MR2 Reliability Trend

The Toyota MR2 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 Toyota MR2

At 29 years old, the Toyota MR2 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2006 model has the highest pass rate at 79%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 107k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1997 Toyota MR2 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Toyota MR2(1997)	72%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1997 Toyota MR2

Is the 1997 Toyota MR2 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1997 Toyota MR2s ended in a pass, from 903 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Toyota MR2 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Toyota MR2?

72% of 903 MOT tests on the 1997 Toyota MR2 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 195th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).

Which year Toyota MR2 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 Toyota MR2 has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 1992 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Toyota MR2?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Toyota MR2 is 106,809 miles, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.